Window Thermal Insulation 101: 5 Benefits of Insulated Glass Units

What Are Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)?

A double-glazed window or insulated glass unit is a tight construction of two pieces of glass and an air chamber filled with inert gas.

This air chamber plays a significant role in enduring the units with their benefits. The gas contains a desiccant material to absorb moisture, and the whole unit’s perimeter is sealed with a high-performance sealant to prevent air or water infiltration.

Inert gases have a lower thermal conductivity than air since they do not contain water molecules – a good heat conductor.

Over the past few years, insulated glass windows have become very popular. This is not surprising since they have several advantages.

Standard Heat Loss Prevention Methods for IGUss

Insulating glass units (IGUs) come in various types tailored to specific applications and insulation requirements, distinguished by the material used to cover and fill the gap between the two panes, any additional coatings, and the type of seals used.

Below are the different types of window glazing available: 

Triple & Double Pane Glass

These glass panes are sealed together and usually filled with argon gas. Argon gas is like thermal curtains between the two glass panes of a window. The argon gas is heavier than air, creating an extra barrier between the indoors and the outside, making it harder for the hot or cold air to move around. So, argon gas helps keep the temperature inside your home more comfortable.

Double-pane windows typically have two glass panes separated by a plastic or metal spacer. Triple-pane glass windows have three panes of glass with two spacers between them. This creates two pockets of air or gas, providing additional insulation and noise reduction.

Low-E Glass Coating

Low-E glass coating is a particular type of glass with a thin invisible coating. This coating helps to keep the heat inside your home in the winter and outside in the summer. The coating acts as a barrier that blocks heat from getting through the glass to the inside or outside of your home.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is a type of special glass that regulates heat. It works like this: it has tiny air pockets inside the glass that helps to keep hot air in and cool outside air out. This makes your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It also reduces energy bills because it doesn’t need as much energy to regulate the temperature.

Tinted Glass

Tinted glass keeps heat inside your home by blocking some of the sun’s rays from coming in. The tinting acts like a barrier, preventing the heat from escaping through the glass. This means your home stays warmer for longer without using as much energy to heat it.

Solar control film or tinting film is the most commonly used material to make tinted glass. It is a thin, polyester-based film applied directly to the glass surface. The film blocks out some of the sun’s energy, reducing glare and heat while allowing light to enter the space.

Reflective Glass Coating

Reflective glass coating is like a special type of paint applied to the glass in your windows. It stops heat loss by reflecting the heat inside your house, like a mirror. So instead of the heat escaping through your windows, it stays inside your property, keeping you warm.

5 Benefits of Insulated Glass Panes

Insulated glass windows have many benefits, from improved window insulation to anti-theft capabilities.

#1. Cost-Effective and Energy-Saving

Thermal glass windows are especially effective in keeping heat inside during the winter and the house cool in summer, as the sunlight can pass through, but heat is blocked from entering. Good thermal insulation quality reduces electricity bills year-round, making insulated glass windows a worthwhile purchase.

#2. Sound Isolation Abilities

Excessive noise can lead to irritation, exhaustion, sleepless nights, and decreased productivity. Fortunately, modern double-pane windows provide a solution, allowing for a noise level of 25dB, the accepted minimum for comfortable silence.

The soundproofing ability of these windows depends on the number of air chambers between the glass panes, the distance between the glass, the quality of the sealants and fittings, and the quality of installation.

#3. Have Good Anti-Burglar Security

A heat-resistant window frame with two glass panes offers better protection than a single unit, but you can further enhance its security by utilizing impact-resistant glass. This type of glazing is built with improved strength and is created using various methods, such as tempering and affixing a unique film. The advantages of this material are clear: it is unobtrusive and space-saving.

#4. Wide Range of Window Glazing Types Available

The energy-efficient glass windows you choose depend on your lifestyle and building needs. Additionally, the climate and the desired level of energy efficiency also need to be considered when selecting different types of insulated windows.

For example, triple-pane insulated glass provides the highest level of energy efficiency, whereas Low-E insulated glass reflects heat from the inside of the home and helps to reduce heating and cooling costs. 

#5. It Can Be Covered With Low-Emittance and Other Coatings

Low-emission glass can improve energy efficiency when used with standard glass. This type of material has a special coating made of various non-ferrous metal oxides, which prevents the window from any damage and lowers the emissivity of the glass.

Double-paned windows with Low-E glass reflect solar radiation and reduce heat transfer in winter and decrease heat gain in summer, making them great for more energy-efficient and-conscious homes.

Order Replacement Insulated Glass Panels & Windows Today!

Insulated glass may initially be more expensive than regular glass, but its increased strength, durability, and low chances of breakage often outweigh the cost.

Regular glass is also not environmentally friendly and does not provide energy conservation. Insulated glass, however, is an energy-efficient alternative that helps reduce the carbon footprint.

Trust Apex Window Werks technicians to install and repair your insulated glass units – whether you want vinyl thermal windows or insulated wood windows. Our insulated window installers will ensure you get the most out of your units with their skillful work.